The top 3 overall picks of the recent PBA Season 50 Draft were all able to share their different goals and aspirations heading to the new season in October 2025.
Biggest Pressure for the Biggest Man in the Draft: Geo Chiu
Photo Credits: PBA
In the draft night last Sunday, September 7, here’s what the former Ateneo Blue Eagle and Abra Weavers 6-foot-10 big man has to say if he has “the biggest pressure” being selected as the Number #1 overall pick by Terrafirma Dyip.
“I mean siyempre like, pressure will always be there. But for me naman I try to think of it one day at a time naman because we play one game at a time.”
Chiu has also suited up internationally both for Gilas Pilipinas and for the Strong Group Athletics.
“We are playing basketball so everyday is a chance to get better. So parang sobrang lucky pa rin naman na may pressure, but we all know naman na we have to perform. For me naman I’ll just do my best and help my team in whatever way I can.”
All Eyes on the Championship: Juan Gomez de Liaño
Photo Credits: PBA
In an interview by Rebanse, the former UP Fighting Maroon Guard and the Filipino player that has played the most hoops across the globe has this to say when asked what was the mood in the Converge FibeXers table after being selected as the 2nd Overall Pick:
“We were pretty much in the same page, our goal is to win the championship, so that’s what we’re going to do and we’re going to work hard everyday. Stick within the system and continue to win games and continue the winning tradition.”
JDGL has played in Japan, South Korea and in Lithuania for the past 5 years.
And when asked what his personal goals are while wearing the purple and white jersey, his answer remains the same.
“Give the team a championship honestly. You know its a difficult task especially in the PBA but I think we all have the pieces especially from the management, the coaching staff especially the players. I think we have the perfect chance to you know bring home a championship for Converge so that’s what I’m definitely excited about.”
A New Generation for the Bossings: Dalph Panopio
Photo Credits: PBA
The 25 year Fil-Am Dalph Panopio was selected as the 3rd Overall pick by the Blackwater Bossings and in an interview by Rebanse, he shared his excitement in playing with the former top picks of the Bossings which are Sedrick Barefield and Christian David.
“You know, we could be like ‘A New Generation’ like its going to be like something nobody has seen, a bunch of talent putting up together. We’ll see something that has never been seen before.”
This is the third time that Filipino fans have watched Dalph with the first ones during his stints at the Gilas Youth team for the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship and 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup.
“I’m really excited to see with those guys. I can talk to them every practice. I’m sure they’re great guys, they’re super great guys so I’m really excited.”
And when asked what is/are best assets to offer to the Blackwater franchise, he emphasized his consistency.
“Definietly I’m trying to be as consistent as I can in bringing it to everyday to practice. Trying to help them in the court, trying to be the point guard that they need and whatever I can do to help them I’ll try to do it.
He then highlighted his other qualities which are his outside shooting and playmaking skills, which were evident in his early Batang Gilas inclusions.
“You know I’ll try to knock shots down, I’m really capable to shoot, to pass so hopefully build a good chemistry. There’s no need for me to just work, we play a group sport at the end [of the day] or a team sport, so try to make everybody involved and you know, get the win.” he added.
